Jerusalem - Israeli caretaker Prime Minister, Mr Ehud Barak, has renounced taking up the post of defence minister in a government of national unity being formed by Prime Minister-elect, Mr Ariel Sharon, a spokesman for Mr Barak's Labour Party said last night.
Mr Barak also confirmed that he would give up the leadership of the Labour Party and his seat in parliament once a new government is formed.
Separately, Israeli military radio said Mr Barak had written to Mr Sharon, telling him of his decision. In that letter, the radio said, Mr Barak complained about Mr Sharon's attitude toward him and lack of confidence in him.
He also accused Sharon of interfering in the "internal affairs of the Labour Party" and objected to Mr Sharon forming a government of national unity including the extreme right.